Should Caricom governments be allowed to ignore the plight of former LIAT workers?
Does the region have a moral responsibility to make a financial settlement available for this cadre of workers who having served the regional at great personal sacrifice are having to make the ultimate sacrifice?
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
You are correct it should not have happened. But it did.
Now it is being rectified. If it isn’t, THEN you have a story.
Artax u can rubbish all you care to
The facts speak loud and clear about the lack of concern by govt for these frontline workers
A situation which forced these workers to take their concerns to the local media
NorthernObserverMarch 19, 2021 6:36 PM
You are correct it should not have happened. But it did.
Now it is being rectified. If it isn’t, THEN you have a story.
Until then I stand by words of “insensitivity towards the workers
Instead of dancing and prancing about Antigua problems
Yuh should be paying attention to what has been happening to workers at home
@ Artax March 19, 2021 4:18 PM
“I hope you’re aware LIAT had offices in all the territories it serviced.
So, bearing in mind, for example, St. Lucia was not a shareholder, are you suggesting the St. Lucian government should pay the former LIAT employees who worked at George F. L. Charles Airport?
If not, then who should pay them?”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You have highlighted a rather interesting ‘facet’ to the LIAT imbroglio.
It would be insightful to find out if the remuneration of the ‘ground’ staff at the St. Lucia and Barbados stations’ were subject to both NIS and PAYE statutory deductions (or their equivalent) in their respective territories.
If the pilots (and flight crews) were not paying any income taxes in any of the territories it is going to be rather difficult to justify the disbursement of any ex-gratia payments in lieu of severance by shareholder governments or others as in the case of SLU; whether on the grounds of morality or equity.
@ NorthernObserver
Yes, I agree it shouldn’t have happened, but it DID.
For years under BOTH BLP and DLP administrations, there have been numerous cases of temporary officers, prison officers or more importantly, nurses, who “braved the frontlines of this country’s pandemic situation,” were not paid their salaries and wages on a timely basis.
I also recall during the previous administration’s tenure, prison officers were in media and on call-in-programs complaining about not being paid for several months.
But, you should bear in mind the responsibility of payments to public officers do not lie with politicians. So, Cox is essentially politicizing this issue, as she usually does with every issue.
Anyhow………. next!
@ Miller
I understand LIAT employees are paid under the terms, conditions and laws of Antigua & Barbuda.
A friend of mine who is now a former LIAT employee, had to go the airline’s headquarters in Antigua for an interview before he got the job.
However, LIAT also sub-contracted companies, such as Caribbean Aircraft Handling in Barbados, to provide ‘ground handling’ services that include passenger (passenger and baggage check-in, flight gate control, ticketing and flight reservations), ramp, and cargo services.
I put the info here to show how hypocritical all of your are with the most noted David Bu all throwing shade at Browne
Meanwhile a similar sh the happening in Barbados right under wunna noses and not one goddam word mention until I brought up the subject
A bunch of fakers talking bull every day criticizing other people while the shit hit the fan at home
Mia goes before media talks up a storm about the bravery of front line workers
Meanwhile these workers not paid in four months
Isn’t that the truth
So, what if you brought up the subject? Are we to follow you ‘down a rabbit hole’ to criticize Mottley for something that is NOT under her control?
What is there to discuss and how far will a discussion go, about a few people who were not paid since December 2020, when the situation is in the PROCESS of BEING RECTIFIED?
We’re discussing a situation whereby FORMER BARBADIAN EMPLOYEES of LIAT who are awaiting severance payments after being terminated over ONE YEAR ago. And, their situation is FAR from being rectified, because they are being frustrated by the Gaston Browne administration.
So, please ‘tell’ us what are the similarities between the two issues?
The real “hypocritical faker talking bull every day” in this scenario, is you.
This isn’t the first time public sector employees complained about not being paid on a timely basis. There were discussions on BU about similar occurrences under the former DLP administration, and I’ve never read in any of your contributions where you showed sympathy for their plight, as you’re now pretending to show. In fact, you criticized those contributors who were raised concerns at that time.
I’ll also remind of the stance you took against the retrenched former NCC, Transport Board and Beautify Barbados employees who voiced their frustrations in the media, when they were not paid severance on the days such payments were promised. I’m sure you remember Lisa Marshall……. the lady you called a “thief” and criticized for talking to the press.
However, the only reason why you’re pretending to show ‘concern,’ is because you believe the situation reflects negatively on the Mottley administration.
“Instead of dancing and prancing about Antigua problems”
Please, this is about employees getting severance payment due to them. Many of them Barbadian. Antigua is reportedly the owner of the New LIAT, but as to exactly what entity owes the severance, is unclear. Your pal Hal, has been on for weeks now, about the agreement to sell Barbados share of LIAT for $1. And the details of the deal. The moment you figure out how you can tag this on the BLP, and their incompetence, you will be sure to let all and sundry know.
MillerMarch 19, 2021 6:58 PM So, bearing in mind, for example, St. Lucia was not a shareholder, are you suggesting the St. Lucian government should pay the former LIAT employees who worked at George F. L. Charles Airport?….It would be insightful to find out if the remuneration of the ‘ground’ staff at the St. Lucia and Barbados stations’ were subject to both NIS and PAYE statutory deductions (or their equivalent) in their respective territories….If the pilots (and flight crews) were not paying any income taxes in any of the territories it is going to be rather difficult to justify the disbursement of any ex-gratia payments in lieu … grounds of morality or equity.
@Miller et al,
I get your point. On the face of it, that may seem the obvious position. However, when one considers the deep inter-governmental relationships over the long term, with respect to LIAT, I actually do think that there is a strong moral case.
LIAT was never ‘sold’ as an Antiguan airline. It was sold as a Caribbean airline, with the support of Caribbean governments. The immediate reaction is to run to the company / employee contracts, however, the inherent perception could surely be argued that the operation was a collective? Any corporation needs a headquarters, that it resided in Antigua was mere happenstance. The collective still existed.
After all, if it were not a collective, why the furor over the extrication of each government from the corporation and turn over of total control to Antigua?
Res Ipsa Loquitor.
As a collective, there is therefore a moral responsibility to dispense liabilities on wind down.
I am still firmly of the view that each government will (and should) settle the respective severance liabilities of their own citizens.
That is also the most elegant and least controversial approach.
As for the pension liabilities, that may be more involved. How was the pension funded and what is the state of the pension assets?
Or have they been misappropriated i.e. spent on operations, as opposed to remained invested?
Enough with the hand wringing.
Move on with moving on.
Not surprising that those who have their own political interest would simply take the road of detour to avoid Barbados govt responsibility of making sure that these Frontline workers daily lives were properly maintained by issuing them their dues in proper time
Four months is a long time for any one having to wait for a paycheck
This is disgusting and cannot be easily swept under the carpet as someone else mistake
All past contracts with List and shareholders are still relevant many of which Barbados is committed
Barbados govt silence on these proceddings between Antigua and the workers does not void any agreements or contracts Barbados govt signed on to on behalf of the workers
Hence now that the rubber has hit the road what made signed in the past towards employees and List is still binding today unless a court says differently
From the comments posted nobody has defended governments responsibility in the matter. What all are agreed about is that the government has owned the problem via its agent minister Bostic and commits to having it fixed.
@David et al,
No one has any substantive argument against the Mottley administration being very responsive and interactive. Especially compared to the prior inept one. That is not the issue under question here.
The issue here is one that is far deeper and certainly requires more than cheap political shots that some like to fire, only because their own agenda is to oppose for opposing sake.
While some of us are already aware of their motives, it is important to state this clearly, so that the random reader knows some of these comments are very partisan and with specific motives, other than improving the lives of those to whom the article pertains.
@Crusoe
Agree with you BUT the whole is as good as the quality of its parts. The effectiveness and efficiency of regional institutions are being questioned whether you go to the recent governance report released on the UWI which was scathing it is critique of governance policy framework, West Indies cricket, CSME, CXC, LIAT you may add to the list. Is it unreasonable to ask if member states are unable to successively manage regional institutions that many will question its ability to do manage respective domestic economies?
‘More LIAT ex-pilots join’ class-action lawsuit – ‘More LIAT ex-pilots join’ class-action lawsuit: https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/03/19/more-liat-ex-pilots-join-class-action-lawsuit/
@David, Is it unreasonable to ask if member states are unable to successively manage regional institutions that many will question its ability to do manage respective domestic economies?
Understandable but unfair idea on correlation. One of the major factors impacting regional institutions is the political one-upmanship that occurs and has been doing so from the 1960’s.
That is is actually more of a concern than the geographical separation should demonstrate how bad it is. To equate management of that scenario to local governance is not comparing apples to apples.
It is unfortunate that some cannot see what is before out eyes. The only thing that has kept attempts at regional integration alive is the glaring reality that it is a necessity. If it were not so, each territory would have told the others to get lost long ao.
Unfortunately we keep being pushed back to one another, by events pushing each to the wall.
So, regional integration has been kept alive in spite of, not because of, political intent.
Just humour me, if each territory discovered oil tomorrow morning and it, even with reduced pricing due to changes in world demand, proved more than enough to satisfy the fiscal and debt requirements of each, you would see how fast each territory would go their own way.
@Crusoe
You not have to look closely to identify similar characteristics in the respective domestic economies where we have entrenched duopolies.
No matter how one slice or dice Bostic late minute comments
The relevancy of the issues remains and pertain to insensitivity and a long time period of waiting
A waiting that caused frustration causing the workers to go to media outlets to voiced their problems
All the shareholders of Liat is duty bound to act in a responsible manner towards the retrenched employees whose lives have been distracted because of the political moorings involved
Contracts signed by the shareholders remains binding unless the court says differently
Unfair that these regional govts want to bow out of their legal responsibilities and leave the workers stranded
Hope at the end of the day the court would side with the employees handing down a court order ushered with commentary that reginal govts are not above the law
Shame
If only it were so simple.
Not arguing that it is simple but all the pressure being placed on one small island to find resolution is not fair
So far all that is being said is by way of Antigua while all other shareholders keep mouth shut as if the problem is not part of their responsibility
Well now the courts would get involved and all that was done in the dark would become light
It would be an interesting case to watch as blame once placed or misplaced would take a backseat to law and order
Would be watching with eagle eyes
Antigua made their bed now they have to deal with it. They have interrupted efforts for years to make LIAT more effecient. The other countries are broke and cannot continue to pour taxpayers dollars into a bucket with a big hole.
“No matter how one slice or dice Bostic late minute comments.”
Please ‘tell’ BU how would Bostic know if those worker were not paid since December 2020?
Are you suggesting government ministers are responsible for government’s payroll and they know which public sector employees are paid or not paid?
In all fairness to Bostic or any other minister, whether ‘BEE or DEE,’ they could only comment on such issues when the information becomes available to them.
Artax
Are you suggesting government ministers are responsible for government’s payroll and they know which public sector employees are paid or not paid?
In all fairness to Bostic or any other minister, whether ‘BEE or DEE,’ they could only comment on such issues when the information becomes available to them
Xxccccccccc
So why are ministers being paid
The question u ought to ask is why didn’t the minister know before yesterday
Also shouldn’t the minister call for an investigation as to why the problem occured
Govt has a systematic recurring problem of placing those in charge who are incompetent or incapable of doing the job
Starting from the top level to the bottom level then when the crap starts all public hears are stinking excuses and no accountability
angela cox March 20, 2021 11:34 AM
RE: “So why are ministers being paid..”
You’re either being silly or ‘purposely provocative.’
Do you believe it’s the minister’s duty to go around to all departments, statutory and quasi government corporations under his portfolio and ask if everyone has been paid………..
…………….. or is this the job of the accounting personnel who are responsible for the SmartStream payroll system, to ensure all salaries and wages are processed and paid on a timely basis?
RE: “The question u ought to ask is why didn’t the minister know before yesterday.”
Why should I ask such stupid question?
How would any minister know whether or not any public sector employee was paid, unless such information is brought to his attention by the affected persons?
The process of payments to public sector employees is shared between Treasury and the respective ministries. Ministers are not responsible for micro-managing or processing the payroll, nor do they certify paysheets and the associated expenditure vouchers correct.
In other words, the payroll process does not fall within the remit of the minister’s responsibilities.
RE: “Also shouldn’t the minister call for an investigation as to why the problem occured…”
Don’t you believe there fact Bostic reassured the affected individuals that the situation was being rectified clearly indicates some sort of investigation was conducted?
Please ‘tell’ us what else you believe Bostic could have done under circumstances that were beyond his control?
@Artax
don’t fret, @ac has obviously been reading @Tron, now she agrees and wishes to clean out the civil service. Beginning at the the top. The only poor, hard working, ordinary Barbadians must work in the private sector.
“Govt has a systematic recurring problem of placing those in charge who are incompetent or incapable of doing the job. Starting from the top level to the bottom level then when the crap starts all public hears are stinking excuses and no accountability”[quote]
Next thing you know, tronfever will have her, calling for a lifetime appointment of President in the new Republic.
Artax
The question of Do I believe !!
Yes I not only believe but the question of accountability and transparency lies at the foot of all those we the people elected
We the people expect full fledged management from those elected and not film flam flimsy excuses
Minister Bostic said he knew of the issue stating that he received messages and other forms of communication from those not receiving their wages
The question that should be asked of Bostic why did it take so long for him to intervene
Barbados system of govt is run by cover ups and corruption
In my opinion that is why it took Bostic so long to open mouth
Had not these workers gone to the media with this sad and despicable story
Bostic would have said nothing
This shameful story says plenty on how this govt likes to hid it’s dirty laundry and quick to use media outlets for damage control
Shame on Bostic for saying he knew of the issue but said or did nothing until the workers spoke out via media
Bostic in his own words
“I don’t know the numbers that have been affected, but they were sufficient enough to cause me to look at it, because people were actually sending me messages and forwarding messages from other persons to me.
Now the question that Bostic needs to answer
When did u know and what did u know
Hard to believe that all these workers affected only communicated with you two days ago before the story hit the media
Mostly likely these workers attempt to reach you went unanswered and they took the next foot forward heading to media
Shameless rats all of u
angela cox March 21, 2021 6:17 AM
RE: “Yes I not only believe but the question of accountability and transparency lies at the foot of all those we the people elected. We the people expect full fledged management from those elected and not film flam flimsy excuses.”
I agree with you 100%. But, you’re essentially BLAMING Bostic for something that does not fall within the remit of his responsibilities.
RE: “Minister Bostic said he knew of the issue stating that he received messages and other forms of communication from those not receiving their wages. The question that should be asked of Bostic why did it take so long for him to intervene.”
You’re being silly once more.
According to the ‘Barbados Today’ March 19, 2021 article, “in an exclusive interview on Thursday (March 18, 2021), Bostic confirmed that the officers were not being paid.”
Also, he “admitted that after receiving numerous complaints, he INSTRUCTED permanent secretary Janet Philips to INVESTIGATE the MATTER.”
Based on that report, how could you determine the duration of time Bostic took to address the issue, was “too long?”
RE: “In my opinion that is why it took Bostic so long to open mouth.”
Well, whether they are correct, wrong, unreasonable or silly, you’re entitled to your opinions.
RE: “Had not these workers gone to the media with this sad and despicable story. Bostic would have said nothing.”
How do you know “Bostic would have said nothing?” Unless you’re a ‘mind reader,’ you wouldn’t know that.
The “workers” went to the media, which in turn interviewed Bostic.
“In an exclusive INTERVIEW on Thursday, Minister of Health and Wellness Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic confirmed that the officers were not being paid as they braved the frontlines of this country’s pandemic situation. Declaring there was “no excuse” for the blunder, he explained the issue is currently being rectified and vowed to do “everything possible” to ensure it is not repeated.”
By the way, aren’t YOU the SAME individual who condemned retrenched workers for going to the media to complain about not being paid their severance on the days promised by the former DLP administration?
I know you remember Lisa Marshall.
Artax
According to u no blame should be place on Bostic
However he finds it necessary to be a spoke person of damage control
Then why his interaction
Maybe u ought to reread my last comment in Bostic words as to what Bostic knew before the story hit the press
Also if what u purport as no blame towards Bostic
Why would the workers single him out asking for help
One would most likely believe as Minister in charge of COVID communication matters he would be of more importance to dealing with such matters
Btw I asked u a question in reference to permanent secretaries and their accountability as to whom do they answer (to) still awaiting your answer
angela cox March 21, 2021 8:28 AM
RE: “According to u no blame should be place on Bostic. However he finds it necessary to be a spoke person of damage control. Then why his interaction? Also if what u purport as no blame towards Bostic, Why would the workers single him out asking for help?”
Why should Bostic be blamed and what damage control are you referring to? Are you ‘saying’ he should be blamed because “the workers singled him out asking for help?” You can’t be serious.
The unpaid employees sought the help of Bostic, who in turn asked the PS to investigate, after which he told them the situation is being rectified and gave the assurance it won’t reoccur. End of story.
The only reason you’re trying to ‘create a mountain out of a mole hill’ of this situation, is because you would go to any length, even into the ‘realm of absurdity,’ in an attempt to discredit the current administration. That’s what you live for.
RE: “One would most likely believe as Minister in charge of COVID communication matters he would be of more importance to dealing with such matters.”
Since when it is the responsibility of a minister to deal with administrative issues such as payroll?
RE: “Btw I asked u a question in reference to permanent secretaries and their accountability as to whom do they answer (to) still awaiting your answer.”
I already answered. I ‘said’ I’m awaiting a call from CXC to find out if they continued with the examination on how we are ruled.
But then again, over the years, and even this morning as well, I’ve asked you several questions, for which I’m still awaiting the answers.
I’m sure if your mate was in discussion with another individual who was making similar comments, by now he would have already addressed them by terms such as “the village idiot, idiot, fool, buffoon, clown” and opine their inability to think rationally is as a result of ‘learning by rote.’
Anyhow, I’ll end by quoting ‘2 BU regulars.’ “I’m out of this discussion, because it’s becoming silly.” “You may have the last word.”
https://barbadostoday.bb/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WhatsApp-Image-2020-12-10-at-7.52.51-AM-1024×498-1-730×456.jpeg
Antigua PM says former Barbados LIAT pilots are ‘rotten elements’ who destroyed the airlineArticle by
Barbados Today
Published on
March 22, 2021CARIBBEAN NEWS SERVICE — The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda says former Barbados-based pilots of the beleaguered regional airline LIAT, are rotten elements responsible for the demise of the carrier.
Gaston Browne was at the time responding to a class-action suit by the terminated pilots against the Antigua and Barbuda government.
Ten former pilots are part of a constitutional motion filed recently in the High Court in St John’s by Captain Neil Cave of Barbados. They insisted that they won’t be bullied into backing down despite Browne’s pledge to end all support for LIAT if “pilots and those who represent them” continue to frustrate his efforts to rescue the collapsed carrier.
“You see those very pilots, especially those in Barbados, I’m told that they are some rotten elements, and one of the reasons why LIAT collapsed is not so much because of COVID you know, it’s because of the behaviour of them rotten elements within LIAT,” Browne said Saturday on local radio.
“They would not cooperate within the government to recapitalize the company and to streamline the operations so that they could be more efficient to ensure the viability and sustainability of LIAT.
“So, after those rotten elements done mash up the company, they coming to make trouble again. But as they saying goes, ‘they better wet their hands and wait for us because we coming hard,’” Browne added.
The Antigua and Barbuda leader described the litigation as “very unfortunate,” adding that if LIAT 1974 Ltd goes into liquidation, at best the former pilots would get about five per cent of what is owed to them.
The constitutional motion against the government is challenging the constitutionality of the recently amended Companies Act which prohibits anyone from suing the Antigua and Barbuda government over any claims against LIAT.
The claimants, who have named the Attorney General as the only defendant, also want the court to order that they be awarded costs and/or other relief the court may deem just.
The ex-pilots are also requesting that the court declares that Section 564 (1) of the Companies (Amendment) Act No 17 of 2020, is in contravention of Section 15 (8) of the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda by limiting the claimants’ constitutional right to access the court for a determination of their civil claim against LIAT 1974 Limited which was filed in 2015 and was pending at the time Parliament passed the law.
“I find the proposed litigation to be very disruptive and obviously designed to undermine our efforts to salvage LIAT 1974 Ltd and I think in essence too that they are literally undermining themselves, because if they were to undermine this herculean effort by my government to salvage LIAT 1974 Ltd and they precipitate the liquidation of the company, then we will have no choice but to distance ourselves from any liability that would arise therefrom,” Browne said.
“You know the saying ‘want all get none?’ Let them go ahead because they may end up getting nothing, or little. How do you resolve an issue by berating a government that is trying to assist you and literally taking the government to court? It makes no sense.”
Do more to help LIAT workers, says Atherley
OPPOSITION LEADER Bishop Joseph Atherley is urging Government to do more to help Barbadians employed by LIAT, whom he said are suffering “serious hardship and stress”.
Atherley said that notwithstanding the complexities of the regional carrier’s situation, including that it was “under administration” in Antigua and Barbuda, “we are talking about Barbadian workers”.
The St Michael West representative told Parliament the Mia Amor Mottley administration “should be more robust, in my view, as to what it does to address their situation”.
He was speaking yesterday during the Estimates Debate in the House of Assembly.
“Some of these people, I am made to realise, are having to depend on the generosity and charity of people to provide even some of the more basic necessities for life. This is a story that we can’t close our eyes, mind, or shut our ears to. This is something that the Government should be heard on,” he asserted.
“Antigua has been speaking loudly in defiance of the rest of the Caribbean on this matter, I don’t know if Barbados has been speaking quietly but its voice needs, in my view, to be heard. Its hands need to be felt. Its actions need to be apparent . . . that something is being done to address these people’s plight.
“There are mortgages to be serviced, people have lost their homes already, people are now falling victim to the arduous and diligent efforts of collection agencies.”
Atherley said he understood the 100 Barbadians received “a one-off payment” of $2 400 in August last year, but this was the equivalent of about $300 a month, “less than the minimum wage that you are proposing”.
He added that while some of the workers “have had [Barbados National Insurance Scheme] responses to their plight”, the majority of them had national insurance arrangements in Antigua. He said this had them “in a serious disadvantage which has brought about serious hardship and stress”.
“As I understand it . . . the company right now is protected from lawsuits because of the administrative measures around the whole business of LIAT . . . so you can’t take anybody to any civil court to get action, you have got to wait and you are at the mercy of a government in Antigua, you are at the mercy of a Government in Barbados, and you are caught between a rock and a hard place, and you suffer in quiet as a group of a hundred Barbadians who should know a better experience,” said Atherley.
“If the Government cares, the Government needs to shout more loudly. The Government needs to be more proactive in what it is doing to redress this situation and ensuring that these people are helped.”
(SC)
Source: Nation
This thread has died quickly….even as Lil Hitler spoke aggressively. Gaston seems to have silenced his former partners. Or they are showing extreme restraint.
What purpwill it serve to engage the man? Mottley has already stated she has no intention of shouting across the sea on the matter with Browne.
Pilots blast Browne ‘insult’
by COLVILLE MOUNSEY colvillemounsey@nationnews.com
FORMER LIAT PILOTS from Barbados say they are “highly insulted” at being labelled “rotten elements” by Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
Pilot Captain Neil Cave told the MIDWEEK NATION the behaviour displayed by the prime minister during his Browne And Browne radio show on Pointe FM 99.1 over the weekend was but a taste of the type of discrimination Barbadian employees of the Antigua-based airline had suffered for years.
Other incensed pilots also said they were seeking legal advice on Browne’s “disparaging” remarks.
“It is disgusting that he is attacking us openly in this way, but at the same time we are not surprised. This type of treatment that Gaston Browne is now spewing at us down here is stuff that we are too familiar with. We have experienced this for years,” Cave said.
“We were victimised for years and this was strictly along national lines, even though Barbados has been paying the bills for years. What it boils down to is nothing short of discrimination.”
On his radio show last Saturday night, Browne took umbrage with a constitutional challenge filed by Cave recently to Antigua and Barbuda’s Companies Amendment Act 2020, the legislation that gives LIAT carte blanche protection from any legal challenge from creditors.
Behaviour
Last August, a class action suit brought by Cave on behalf of nine former pilots of LIAT was blocked by a High Court judge, citing the parameters of the new legislation. The pilots are suing LIAT for deducting more than EC$5 million from their salaries without their authorisation, and illegally lodging it in CLICO International Life as pension.
However, Browne said on Saturday the pilots were attacking the government that had been trying to help them.
“But you know, you see those very pilots, especially the ones in Barbados, I am told they are some rotten elements. One of the reasons, too, why LIAT collapsed is not so much because of COVID, you know. It is because of the behaviour of the rotten elements within LIAT who refused to cooperate with the government to recapitalise the company, and to streamline operations so that they could be more efficient and ensure the sustainability and viability of LIAT. So, after those rotten elements mash up the company, they come to make trouble again,” the prime minister said.
He added: “They don’t recognise they are doing themselves a disservice . . . . Which airline within the region or perhaps beyond they think would employ them? Where are they going to get a sensible reference going forward? They are not thinking about the long-term effects of what they are doing.”
Cave said he believed Browne’s comments could only be seen as a veiled threat to future hiring of Barbadian pilots who had been employed by the company, and must not be allowed to stand.
Source: Nation
@ NorthernObserver
Threads such as this would “die quickly,” because people seem to be more interested in ‘discussing’ Trump, Mehgan and the Prince Harry, etc. Then, you have the ‘resident distractor’ who adores in attempting to purposely distract away from the substantive topic to one they believe reflects negatively on ‘government.’ I hope you noticed how ‘fast and furious’ their comments were coming, after Lennox Weston’s attack on Mottley.
You’re correct NO. “Lil Hitler” has been “speaking aggressively.” Perhaps because he styles his moustache similar to that of Hitler, Gaston believes he should mimic the Führer’s antics. But, he should also bear in mind the comedian Charlie Chaplin styled his moustache similarly as well.
However, since the former pilots are not ‘backing down’ after being threatened by Browne, he has now shifted blame from Mottley and Gonsalves for LIAT’s demise, to the Barbadian pilots, whom he described as “rotten elements.” Gaston has essentially ‘set up’ Barbadians to be blamed if Antigua withdraws financial support from the airline.
I have to agree with Atherley. The PM needs to be reminded LIAT is not her personal company. She has been silent on this issue for far too long. Mottley owes the Barbadian taxpayers an explanation of the terms and conditions relative to the sale of our 49.4% shares in the airline.
She also needs respond to Weston’s allegations, as well as the recent outburst of criticisms and ‘muscular language’ coming from Antigua.
I agree with Atherley barbadian pilots should and must be taken care of
Our govt has made a decision to use a silent ear against these pilots
However not so was the case when tourist complained about their hardships under govt protocols when their financial resources were drained because of govt tardiness in delivering Covid results in a timely manner
Or even govt stepping up to the wicket to fight on behalf of those people who had invaded land illegally as their place of abode
Govt in that case had put in place a mean of helping these people get housing at taxpayers expense
However in the case of the barbadian pilots govt is stoned deaf
(Quote):
Atherley said he understood the 100 Barbadians received “a one-off payment” of $2 400 in August last year, but this was the equivalent of about $300 a month, “less than the minimum wage that you are proposing”. (Unquote).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This is a bit confusing. Did those “100 Barbadians” include the ‘Bajan pilots’?
We were given the impression that the vast majority of the ground staff ‘were’ employed by third parties contracted by LIAT to handle its ground operations at the Barbados station.
Much more light needs to be shed here.
If the ground handling crew were employed by Barbados-based contractors then those contractors and the Barbados NIS have both a legal and moral responsibility for any severance and social security payments due to the workers.
However, should those workers have been directly employed by LIAT- like the pilots and aircrew- then Crusoe’s well argued case for a moral commitment by the Government of Barbados towards those Barbadian nationals needs to be revisited in a more humanitarianly favourable light.
Were the LIAT ground staff members of any of the local trade unions?
And if so, what are their trade unions position?
The major downside to Crusoe’s proposal -which the miller initially proffered but was quickly dismissed out of hand by the ‘refereeing’ Blogmaster-is that the aircrew and those who were hired and remunerated directly by LIAT may have been in constant receipt of tax-free salaries and allowances (perks) thereby not making any direct contributions to the common pot in Barbados from which they could now be asking other Barbadian workers and residents to underwrite as compensation for the loss of their ‘high-flying’ income taxes and duty-free jobs and lifestyles.
Crusoe’s position is also supported by the regulatory failure of both the Antiguan and Barbadian governments regarding the workers pension arrangements.
What is the status of the pilots’ (and possibly aircrew) contributions to the CLICO-controlled pension scheme?
Who has been held responsible for this glaring dereliction of ‘regulatory’ duty and where are the legally-required assets backing the investment of the pilots’ salaries and their families deferred consumption?
Maybe this LIAT’ crash’ is too hot a potato for the ‘Mum’ PM to handle and might be just hoping, that with the passage of ‘air’ time, it would burn itself out on the ground like the same CLICO fiasco.
@Artax
Agreed. No need to ‘shout across the seas’, but some form of statement on the Barbados position on the matter. It doesn’t have to be ‘muscular’.
I ‘believe’ there were also a number of Barbadian born and raised employees who made Antigua their home.
NorthernObserver March 24, 2021 12:26 PM #: “I ‘believe’ there were also a number of Barbadian born and raised employees who made Antigua their home.”
@ NorthernObserver
It’s a fact. For example, former Barbados and West Indies fast bowler….. and former LIAT pilot, Patterson Thompson lives in Antigua.
And, there are several Barbadians working in Antigua, especially in the police and fire services
Gaston mad.
Bajan pilots vow to press on
This is an open letter prepared by a number of pilots from Barbados, which responds directly to the recent comments made by Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne on his radio show ( The Browne & Browne Show) on Saturday, March 20.
We write in defence of all Barbadian pilots – past, present and future. We take note of your potentially damaging statements made on Point FM 99.1 on Saturday, March 20, 2021, during The Browne & Browne Show.
Admittedly, the statements are most unfortunate coming from a prime minister who often claims to be a fierce proponent of the regional integration movement.
Barbadian pilots, along with many others from around the region, have diligently and professionally conducted themselves in keeping LIAT aloft for decades.
Indeed, it is well established that your own country has been a major benefactor of its lengthy operation. We laboured in the name of regional connectivity despite years of abuse and discriminatory treatment within LIAT.
We also wish to remind you that throughout the year 2020 alone, you publicly declared that LIAT’s demise was attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was followed by scathing attacks on your own prime ministerial colleagues in Barbados and St Vincent, blaming them for sabotaging LIAT.
As those attacks on your colleagues have been almost totally ignored, you are evidently now placing sole accountability on the backs of the former Barbadian pilots, now cruelly dismissed without due compensation.
Yet, no mention whatsoever
of the widely known gross mismanagement of the company over the years, and even most recently while in administration. This serves to bring your credibility and ultimate motivations further into question.
With respect to your misplaced view of the motive for the existing constitutional motion, this motion was brought so as not to severely prejudice the claimants in a matter that was before the courts approximately five years before the Antigua Companies Amendment Act 2020 that you vehemently defend. It is, therefore, false to insinuate that it is aimed at disrupting your efforts to revive LIAT.
Prime Minister Browne, you have effectively made clear to the region that a lawsuit claiming the unlawful removal of over $5 million from our salaries has no place before the Antigua and Barbuda courts of law. Where, then, are we expected to seek justice for a wrong which predates the sweeping legislation imposed by your government and blocks all access to the court system?
One thing which your comments have certainly accomplished, sir, is to underscore the credibility of the numerous allegations of victimisation highlighted by Barbadians working in LIAT over the years, many of which remain unresolved before the courts to this day.
The overwhelming support demonstrated to our plight continues. Your flagrant attempts, in our opinion, to misrepresent the facts of the entire LIAT fiasco to the Caribbean people are not going unnoticed.
The blatant hostility towards Barbadians will not lower us into the proverbial gutter. With many of us having served in Antigua, we are satisfied that the type of divisive rhetoric expressed by you does not reflect the sentiment of a large cross section of the people of that nation.
We believe we possess
a right to have our matters fairly heard before the courts, free from political interference. No number of insults, derogatory remarks, or attempts at intimidation will sway us from our most fundamental right to the pursuit of justice via the courts.
Take note that in light of your discriminatory, disparaging, and potentially career-damaging public pronouncements, we are presently exploring the legal options available to us. – Neil Cave, head claimant of the constitutional claim and former captain, and the not “rotten”, but “righteous” Barbadian pilots.
Source: Nation
Barbadian pilots should not have to fight this alone
Where is the voice of the barbadian govt lead by Mottley
A voice which had plenty to say with the Clico debacle
This issue has impacted the pilot lives
Barbados govt cannot and should not sit this one out in silence
These pilots have been attacked by a regional govt for speaking up for what is rightfully theres
Barbados govt cannot in all reasonableness remain silent
How about Browne not ridiculing Bajan pilots the way he has been doing. Are you a Bajan? Where is your loyalty to the flag. Anything that helps you to fashion an argument that is anti Mottley you are present. It is the stuff that defines being blindly partisan.
Here is what we know- you are an ardent supporter of the #throwashadecrew
angela cox March 26, 2021 5:35 AM #: “Barbados govt cannot and should not sit this one out in silence. These pilots have been attacked by a regional govt for speaking up for what is rightfully theres. Barbados govt cannot in all reasonableness remain silent.”
Do you believe because Gaston Browne made some very derogatory comments about the pilots , it would be wise for the Barbados ‘government’ to become involved in a ‘jousting match’ with him over a matter that is before the Court?
If it looks like a clown and talks like a clown, then it must be a clown.
Gaston Browne is obviously a clown. Heck, it even rhymes!
Who in his right mind would say such a thing???? How does that help Caricom territories to move forward together???? How does it resolve this particular problemH????
Let him continue to open his mouth and prove himself to be a foul fool! Sooner or later not even his own countrymen and women will not take him seriously.
The fact being that the barbados govt although cannot speak on the matter before the court in all readonableness can take the moral road by way of defending the pilots against the attacks levelled against the pilots
Nothing wrong with govt expressing their views in words that sends a message which disputes Gastons words of attacks on the pilots
Govt cannot and should not allow its people to be used as punching bags
Browne knows the case is before the court but nothing has stopped him from levelling attacks on the pilots
Btw read Barbados today editorial it gives an insight on govt silence on brownes attack and why govt should defend the pilots against the attacks
The AG spoke on this matter in parliament this week. Did you listen?
I read some of the AG response slow in coming as it was
However Mia still must speak on the verbal treatment meted out to the pilots by Browne
As she all say ” we are all in this together”
On this issue her voice must also make a difference on how others see us
We can no longer allow other voices project whatever negative mirror image of their perception of bajans
Silence means giving consent for outsiders to treat bajans as they seem fit
You will not believe her statement if she were to make one anyway.
David, what has become of the lonely Londoner…I am beginning to miss him…I think.
Is he in the hospital and unable to use his electronic device?
Is he dead?
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.